I feel a bit like this MoDo today.
The weekend is here, the weather was nice all day but cooled in the evening, and everything is kind of calming down. We had rain last night, and all of a sudden, there are buds all over the place! Dr. Clara sits on her eggs and I cleared my work schedule a bit because today I got my first COVID vaccine dose and I wanted to make sure I have the time to relax and let my body do what it has to do. I hope you all have a pleasant start into the weekend. People are starting to report Hummers in Michigan!
Spring rain
and mild temperatures have started to wake up the garden. Everywhere you look, tiny soft green is finding its way to the surface, and the air is full of promise. I have started some of my veggie seeds and was daring enough to put radish and beet seeds into the ground (while crossing my fingers for no more deep frost). The Robins are enjoying that the ground is more workable for worms, and they are looking for nest sites. In between, they never say no to a good bath. And then proudly come to see if there are any snacks.
Video: A romantic moment
for the Cardinals this morning - borbed! I loved the light on the Queen. Female Cardinals are such pretty birds.
Mr. Handsome
was taking a break from singing his heart out to have lunch for one in the yard.
Love is in the air,
as can be seen by the birds’ (more or less hilarious) behavior but also heard in bird song all over the place. Temperatures are not there yet but nature seems to be very ready to move on from winter. Just like me. Happy Friday!
Video: Talk to the wing!
I cannot wait to set the pond back up. It looks like competitive bathing season is here and the heated bath is way too small. 😆
Women are worthy
to be celebrated every day, but since today is the official International Women’s Day, I would like to take the opportunity to send my love to all women out there! You are beautiful, important and loved, and I am glad to have so many sisters on this planet. I hope you all get a bit spoiled today, by others or yourself. I started the day with cake, which is never a bad thing ☺️🎂👑
This morning
temperatures were at -18 °C (I was born and raised in Germany, and Fahrenheit does not make sense to me, sorry). It was frosty but the sun was shining, and the snow was beautiful. Snow and sun always make for nice, clear photos, and some visitors showed their “chocolate side” as we say in German 🙂
It's been an exciting day.
Here are some borbs for your pleasure and relaxation.
(Blackcapped Chickadee, European Starling, Redbreasted Nuthatch)
The MoDo population
is enjoying the relative quiet and less traffic at the moment. They love to hog the camera feeders but also seem to have a similar heat sensor as cats - I often see them hanging out in groups by the heated bird bath. Such goofballs. Come good into Sunday!
Bird backs
can be very interesting because they reveal the beautiful patterns and textures of feathers. Here’s to a happy Friday!
(Blue Jay, Starling, Cardinal, MoDo, Chickadee, Bluebird, House Finch, Starling)
Christmas is getting closer
and in the days leading up to it, I am going to go through this year's calendar birds. You can get an Ostdrossel calendar in my shop here or following the link here at ostdrossel.com. There are four sizes available (the 8.5 one has a second, larger option).
The cover bird is a MoDo. This species has turned out to be an exceptional camera lover that creates some of the most hilarious portraits. The January bird is a male Red-bellied Woodpecker. They are quirky goofballs with a love for nuts, and we have them here all year. Last summer, we built a nestbox that would fit them, and we hope to get to see them raise a brood one day.
Of all the birds that visit my feeders,
I think it is safe to say the Mourning Doves take most portraits. I think it has to do with their greediness a bit, they love the small bowl that only allows for one bird to feed at a time. If another bird approaches, they put the wing up and move around to protect the bounty. They can be overwhelming in numbers and appetite. But they are experts at being models for bird portraits, so that evens things out a bit.
The Bluebirds
know that they can still get to the mealworms in the caged feeder without being bothered by the Starlings (the openings are too small for them), so they are coming around frequently. Visiting the bath, going for mealworms, and delighting me. I guess they do have their nickname for a reason :)
(male, female, female w/ House Finch, male, male)
When the sun comes out
and teams up with snow, even royalty cannot remain all sophisticated and needs to let some goof out.
Lots of rain today,
and I am gazing at the fascinating wonder of rain drops on bird feathers outside. I hope you all have a dry spot today, and a belly full of food. I am thankful to have you to share my photos and stories with, and also grateful to have the luxury of feeding birds. I hope you all have a good day today. It might be different from other years, but it is the spirit that counts. And always has, if you are being honest :) Happy Thanksgiving!
One more time...
Because it is so important. Please make your voice heard, go and vote! And be safe tomorrow.
